A certificate of completion will be issued to those students attending the full 5 days.

Fran’s book is included in the fee.

If you’re on a mission to make world-class vegan desserts, sign on for some “basic training” in the field. Learn the tactics involved in baking without dairy, eggs, and refined sugar, or odd ingredients. The entire operation was developed by Fran Costigan, vegan pastry chef-instructor and author of Great Good Desserts Naturally, More Great Good Desserts Naturally, and the new Vegan Chocolate: Unapologetically Luscious and Decadent Dairy-Free Desserts, the books considered the “bibles” of vegan pastry arts. You’ll gain the confidence to adapt many standard recipes to delicious vegan versions, as you learn about foundational pastry technique and ingredients specific to vegan baking. Quality organic, seasonal ingredients will be emphasized, including whole grain flours, organic fair-traded sweeteners (both liquid and granulated), vegan gelatin (agar-agar), root starches, non-dairy milks, sulfite-free dried fruits, chocolate, cocoa, pure extracts, leavening agents and much more. Novice and experienced bakers and everyone in between will benefit from the expert training offered in this unique intensive. Plating of desserts will be practiced daily and a dessert buffet party will be our finale.

I’ll be the featured author at this year’s Walk for Farm Animals. I will have copies for Vegan Chocolate and More Great Good Dairy-Free Dessserts for sale at a discount, and a percentage of sales will be donated to Farm Sanctuary.

The Walk for Farm Animals raises vital funds for Farm Sanctuary’s lifesaving work and brings together thousands of people to change hearts and minds about farm animals. Will you join us in New York to support compassion for all?

Walk Details

*We will start the 2.25 mile route at 11 AM and will walk for about 1 hour. Celebration to follow.*

Directions and Parking: The New York Walk will be held at Central Park. You can enter “4 Columbus Circle, New York, NY” into your GPS for directions to the general area. We will meet at Merchant’s Gate which is at the Columbus Circle entrance to the park (SW corner). For a visual guide, we will be at the red box on this map . The closest subway station is 59th Street – Columbus Circle (A, C, D, 1). You may plan your trip using public transportation at MTA.info. For those parking, you can visit this site to find the best parking rates for the area.

Entertainment: Musical entertainment to be announced.

Children’s Costume Contest: This year we will be holding a children’s costume contest at the New York Walk! Participants must be ages 12 and under and you may come dressed as anything you wish (it does not have to be animal oriented). Participants will be judged on realism and creativity! Extra points if it looks like you are having loads of fun! The winner will receive a prize, and there will be runner up prizes as well! We look forward to seeing what the younger generation of farm animal lovers will surprise us with! Any questions, please contact Farm Sanctuary: nyc@walkforfarmanimals.org.

Book Signing: Fran Costigan, “Queen of Vegan Desserts!” Fran is an internationally recognized culinary instructor, author and consultant whose innovative recipes marry healthy eating with sumptuous tastes. A professionally trained pastry chef, Fran worked in both traditional and vegan kitchens before moving into teaching over 22 years ago. She will be selling her books, Vegan Chocolate: Unapologetically Luscious and Decadent Dairy-Free Desserts and More Great Good Dairy-Free Desserts Naturally, at the Walk. Please bring cash to purchase.

Walk Information

The 2.25 mile Walk route can be found here. The Walk will be held rain or shine. Dogs are welcome at this event.

Everyone loves chocolate—and being vegan doesn’t mean you have to go without it! What better expert to teach you the ins and outs of sweet, vegan chocolate-y goodness than Fran Costigan, author of “Vegan Chocolate: Unapologetically Luscious and Decadent Dairy-Free Desserts”? You’ll also learn how to make gluten-free variations for some of the recipes. Your decadent menu includes: Intensely Chocolate Trifle; Sacher Torte; Blackout Cake; and Eclairs.